Kouchi Gari | BJJ Technique | BJJ Graph

Kouchi Gari

bjjtransitiontakedownjudothrowstanding

Visual Execution Sequence

From standing position with collar and sleeve control, you establish proper grip tension and distance while maintaining an upright posture. You initiate the attack by pushing your opponent backward and slightly to their side with coordinated grip pressure, forcing them to step back or shift their weight onto their rear leg. As their weight commits to the rear leg, you step forward with your lead foot to close distance while maintaining pushing pressure through your grips. Your rear foot then executes a small, precise reaping motion, hooking the inside of their rear ankle or lower calf in a scooping action. The combination of forward pushing pressure on their upper body and the removal of their rear support creates an immediate loss of balance, causing them to fall backward. You follow through by driving forward and downward, guiding them to the mat while maintaining grip control to land in a dominant top position.

One-Sentence Summary: “From standing with collar-sleeve grips, you push opponent backward while executing a small reaping motion to their rear ankle, combining forward pressure with leg removal to take them down to top position.”

Execution Steps

1. Setup Requirements: Establish collar and sleeve grips from standing position with proper distance control
2. Balance Disruption: Push opponent backward and slightly to their side to shift weight onto rear leg
3. Foot Entry: Step forward with lead foot while maintaining grip pressure and posture
4. Reaping Action: Hook inside of opponent’s rear ankle or lower calf with your rear foot in small scooping motion
5. Drive Forward: Continue pushing opponent backward with upper body while pulling planted leg
6. Follow Through: Drive opponent to mat and establish top position with control

Key Technical Details

• Grip Requirements: Strong collar grip for pushing power; sleeve control to prevent defensive posting
• Base/Foundation: Balanced stance with ability to step forward smoothly; rear leg mobility for reaping action
• Timing Windows: Execute when opponent steps backward or has weight distributed on rear leg
• Leverage Points: Forward pushing pressure combines with rear leg removal to create mechanical advantage
• Common Adjustments: Vary reaping angle and pushing direction based on opponent’s stance width and weight distribution

Common Counters

Opponent defensive responses with success rates and conditions:

• Wide Stance Defense: Widening base to prevent rear leg targeting → Standing Position (Success Rate: 50%, Conditions: early recognition of setup)
• Hop Step: Quickly hopping rear leg back to avoid reap → Standing Position (Success Rate: 45%, Conditions: explosive timing and awareness)
• Counter Forward Pressure: Driving forward into attacker to reverse momentum → Clinch Position (Success Rate: 35%, Conditions: superior strength or timing)
• Grip Break: Breaking collar grip to neutralize pushing pressure → Neutral Standing (Success Rate: 40%, Conditions: strong grip fighting skills)

Decision Logic for AI Opponent

If [setup quality] < 50%:
- Execute [[Wide Stance Defense]] (Probability: 50%)

Else if [rear leg sweep] is detected early:
- Execute [[Hop Step]] (Probability: 45%)

Else if [forward pressure] can be countered with strength:
- Execute [[Counter Forward Pressure]] (Probability: 35%)

Else if [grips] can be broken effectively:
- Execute [[Grip Break]] (Probability: 40%)

Else [optimal execution conditions]:
- Accept transition (Probability: Base Success Rate + Applied Modifiers)

Expert Insights

John Danaher

“Kouchi gari is one of the most fundamental and highest-percentage judo throws when properly executed. The technique succeeds through perfect timing and coordination between the upper body pushing action and the lower body reaping motion. The key insight is that this is a small, precise technique - the name itself means ‘small inner reap.’ Many grapplers fail by trying to make it too large. The reaping motion should target the ankle or lower calf with a scooping action, not a sweeping kick. When timed correctly against an opponent stepping backward, it becomes virtually unstoppable.”

Gordon Ryan

“In competition, especially no-gi, Kouchi gari is one of my go-to standing techniques because it’s low-risk and high-percentage. Unlike bigger throws, you don’t commit your balance heavily, so if it fails you’re not exposed to counters. I use it constantly to take opponents down when they’re retreating or defensive in standup exchanges. The technique also works beautifully in combination - if they defend the rear leg, you can immediately switch to attacking the front leg with Ouchi gari or De ashi barai. It’s the perfect technique for BJJ players who want effective takedowns without extensive judo training.”

Eddie Bravo

“Kouchi gari fits perfectly into the modern BJJ game, especially for guard pullers who want takedown options. The low-risk nature means even if you miss, you’re not getting slammed or countered hard. I teach it as part of a standing system that includes arm drags and snap downs - they all work together to create dilemmas. When opponents defend against your guard pull entries, Kouchi gari gives you an answer that doesn’t require you to be a wrestling specialist. The timing aspect makes it feel almost like a sweep from standing, which translates well for guard players.”

Common Errors

Error 1: Reaping with too large a motion or targeting too high on the leg

• Why It Fails: Kouchi gari is specifically a small inner reap of the ankle/lower calf; large sweeping motions lack the precision and timing needed
• Correction: Focus on small, controlled reaping action targeting the ankle joint area with a scooping motion
• Recognition: Opponent easily steps over or avoids your reap; technique feels more like Ouchi gari than Kouchi gari

Error 2: Insufficient forward pushing pressure with upper body grips

• Why It Fails: The reap alone cannot take opponent down without coordinated upper body pressure driving them backward
• Correction: Establish strong pushing pressure through collar and sleeve grips before and during the reap
• Recognition: Opponent maintains balance despite successful foot contact; takedown lacks power

Error 3: Poor timing - attempting reap when opponent’s weight is on front leg

• Why It Fails: Reaping the rear leg when no weight is committed to it produces no off-balancing effect
• Correction: Push opponent backward first to force weight onto rear leg, then reap as weight transfers
• Recognition: Reaping motion makes contact but opponent easily maintains stance; no destabilization occurs

Error 4: Failing to step forward with lead foot during execution

• Why It Fails: Reduces reach and leverage for the reaping foot; creates distance that weakens the technique
• Correction: Step forward with lead foot as you begin pushing, closing distance for effective reap
• Recognition: Feeling too far away to complete technique; reap falls short of target

Error 5: Not following through to secure top position after takedown

• Why It Fails: Opponent can recover guard or scramble to better position after hitting the mat
• Correction: Maintain grip control and drive forward through completion, immediately establishing top control
• Recognition: Successfully taking opponent down but ending in scramble or guard position

Timing Considerations

• Optimal Conditions: When opponent is stepping or moving backward; when rear leg has full weight commitment; when opponent is defensive or retreating
• Avoid When: Opponent maintains wide, square stance with even weight distribution; when they’re driving forward aggressively; in extreme close range or clinch positions
• Setup Sequences: After failed grip attempts that push opponent back; following arm drag attempts that create backward movement; in combination with other ashiwaza (foot techniques) to create defensive reactions
• Follow-up Windows: Must complete takedown within 1-2 seconds once reap is initiated; immediate top position establishment required to prevent guard recovery

Prerequisites

• Technical Skills: Basic judo gripping and breaking balance concepts; understanding of ashiwaza principles; fundamental standup posture and movement
• Physical Preparation: Ankle and hip flexibility for reaping motion; balance and coordination for single-leg stance during reap; core stability for pushing pressure
• Positional Understanding: Standing position mechanics; weight distribution recognition; timing and rhythm in standup exchanges
• Experience Level: Beginner-friendly technique with low injury risk; excellent first judo throw for BJJ practitioners; scales well with increased skill

Knowledge Assessment

1. Mechanical Understanding: “What creates the off-balance in Kouchi Gari?”

   • A) Only the reaping action on the leg
   • B) The combination of backward pushing pressure on the upper body while simultaneously removing the rear support leg
   • C) Only the upper body pushing pressure
   • D) A large sweeping motion of the leg
   • Answer: B

2. Timing Recognition: “When is the optimal moment to execute Kouchi Gari?”

   • A) When opponent is driving forward aggressively
   • B) When opponent has weight evenly distributed
   • C) When opponent is stepping backward or has weight on their rear leg
   • D) When opponent is in low defensive stance
   • Answer: C

3. Error Prevention: “What is the most common footwork mistake in Kouchi Gari?”

   • A) Stepping too close to opponent
   • B) Sweeping with too large an arc or targeting too high on the leg
   • C) Moving too slowly
   • D) Keeping feet too narrow
   • Answer: B

4. Setup Requirements: “Which grips are essential for effective Kouchi Gari?”

   • A) Double underhooks
   • B) Collar and sleeve grips (or no-gi equivalents)
   • C) Both sleeves
   • D) No grips needed
   • Answer: B

5. Adaptation: “How should you adjust if opponent widens their stance during Kouchi Gari?”

   • A) Force the technique harder
   • B) Give up and reset
   • C) Switch to Ouchi Gari or use Kouchi Gari as setup for combinations
   • D) Pull guard immediately
   • Answer: C

Variants and Adaptations

• Gi Specific: Traditional collar and sleeve grips provide maximum control and pushing power; lapel grip variations allow for stronger off-balancing
• No-Gi Specific: Underhook and wrist control replicate the mechanics; overhook and triceps grip provide alternative setup; may require closer range engagement
• Self-Defense: Highly effective using clothing grips in street situations; low-risk technique that doesn’t expose to strikes; works from various grip configurations
• Competition: Legal at all levels in IBJJF; scores 2 points for takedown; excellent for guard pullers who need standing option; low penalty risk
• Size Differential: Particularly effective for smaller practitioners against larger opponents; relies on timing and technique rather than strength; easier to execute than larger throws

Training Progressions

1. Solo Practice: Footwork patterns focusing on forward step and reaping motion; shadow drilling the coordination between pushing and reaping; balance exercises on one leg
2. Cooperative Drilling: Partner allows takedown completion with progressive backward steps; focus on timing the reap with weight transfer; develop feel for optimal reaping height and angle
3. Resistant Practice: Partner provides defensive reactions (hop step, stance widening); practice adjusting timing and setup; develop combinations when primary technique is defended
4. Sparring Integration: Attempt during live standing exchanges; recognize optimal timing windows; chain with other techniques (arm drags, other throws)
5. Troubleshooting: Identify timing issues during live practice; correct reaping motion size and target; improve grip pressure and pushing mechanics; develop entry setups

LLM Context Block

Purpose: This section contains structured decision-making logic for AI opponents, narrative generation, and game engine processing.

Execution Decision Logic

decision_tree:
  conditions:
    - name: "Setup Quality Check"
      evaluation: "setup_quality_score >= 50"
      success_action: "proceed_to_timing_check"
      failure_action: "execute_wide_stance_defense"
      failure_probability: 50
 
    - name: "Timing Precision Check"
      evaluation: "timing_window_active AND rear_leg_weighted"
      success_action: "proceed_to_balance_check"
      failure_action: "execute_hop_step"
      failure_probability: 45
 
    - name: "Balance Advantage Check"
      evaluation: "attacker_pressure > defender_stability"
      success_action: "accept_transition_with_modifiers"
      failure_action: "execute_counter_pressure"
      failure_probability: 35
 
  final_calculation:
    base_probability: "success_probability[skill_level]"
    applied_modifiers:
      - setup_quality
      - timing_precision
      - opponent_fatigue
      - knowledge_test
      - position_control
    formula: "base_probability + sum(modifiers) - sum(counters)"

Common Troubleshooting Patterns

troubleshooting:
  - symptom: "Reaping motion makes contact but opponent maintains balance"
    likely_cause: "Insufficient upper body pushing pressure or poor timing"
    diagnostic_questions:
      - "Are you pushing opponent backward with strong grip pressure?"
      - "Is opponent's weight committed to rear leg when you reap?"
      - "Are you coordinating push and reap simultaneously?"
    solution: "Establish stronger forward pushing pressure before reaping; wait for opponent to step backward fully; coordinate upper body push with lower body reap in single motion"
 
  - symptom: "Cannot reach opponent's rear ankle with reaping foot"
    likely_cause: "Not stepping forward with lead foot or poor distance management"
    diagnostic_questions:
      - "Are you stepping forward with lead foot as you initiate technique?"
      - "Is your starting distance too far from opponent?"
      - "Is your rear leg mobility sufficient for reaching motion?"
    solution: "Step forward with lead foot to close distance; start from proper ma-ai (engagement distance); practice reaping motion flexibility and range"
 
  - symptom: "Opponent easily steps over or avoids the reap"
    likely_cause: "Reaping motion too large or telegraphed; targeting too high on leg"
    diagnostic_questions:
      - "Are you making a small, precise scooping motion at ankle level?"
      - "Is your setup obvious and giving opponent time to react?"
      - "Are you targeting ankle/lower calf or higher on leg?"
    solution: "Reduce size of reaping motion to small scoop at ankle; disguise setup through normal grip fighting; ensure target is ankle or lower calf only"
 
  - symptom: "Technique succeeds but opponent recovers guard position"
    likely_cause: "Incomplete follow-through or loss of grip control during takedown"
    diagnostic_questions:
      - "Are you maintaining grip connection through the fall?"
      - "Are you driving forward to establish top position immediately?"
      - "Is your weight forward or do you stay back after takedown?"
    solution: "Keep grips tight through completion; drive forward and down to land in dominant position; immediately establish top pressure and control"

Timing and Setup Guidance

timing_guidance:
  optimal_windows:
    - condition: "Opponent stepping backward or retreating"
      success_boost: "+20%"
      recognition_cues: ["Backward foot movement", "Weight shifting to rear", "Defensive posture"]
 
    - condition: "After pushing opponent's upper body backward"
      success_boost: "+15%"
      recognition_cues: ["Upper body leaning back", "Rear leg accepting weight", "Balance disrupted"]
 
    - condition: "Opponent has narrow or square stance"
      success_boost: "+10%"
      recognition_cues: ["Feet relatively close together", "Even weight distribution", "Rear leg in line"]
 
  avoid_windows:
    - condition: "Opponent driving forward with pressure"
      success_penalty: "-25%"
      recognition_cues: ["Forward momentum", "Aggressive posture", "Weight on front leg"]
 
    - condition: "Opponent in wide defensive stance"
      success_penalty: "-20%"
      recognition_cues: ["Feet wide apart", "Low center of gravity", "Stable base"]
 
    - condition: "Extreme close range or clinch position"
      success_penalty: "-15%"
      recognition_cues: ["Body to body contact", "No extension space", "Grips too close"]
 
setup_sequences:
  - sequence_name: "Push-Pull to Kouchi Gari"
    steps:
      - "Establish collar and sleeve grips"
      - "Pull opponent forward briefly"
      - "Push backward strongly"
      - "Execute Kouchi Gari as they step back"
    success_boost: "+15%"
 
  - sequence_name: "Arm Drag to Kouchi Gari"
    steps:
      - "Attempt arm drag"
      - "Opponent resists by pulling back"
      - "Immediately execute Kouchi Gari on weighted rear leg"
    success_boost: "+12%"
 
  - sequence_name: "Failed Guard Pull to Kouchi Gari"
    steps:
      - "Threaten guard pull entry"
      - "Opponent defends by staying upright and back"
      - "Attack rear leg with Kouchi Gari while grips established"
    success_boost: "+10%"

Narrative Generation Prompts

narrative_prompts:
  setup_phase:
    - "You secure collar and sleeve grips, establishing the fundamental control needed for the throw."
    - "Your opponent maintains their distance, unaware of the takedown threat building in your grip positioning."
    - "You feel their weight distribution and prepare to push them backward into the perfect position."
 
  execution_phase:
    - "You drive forward with coordinated pressure through your grips, forcing your opponent to step back."
    - "As their weight commits to the rear leg, your reaping foot sweeps precisely through their ankle in a small scooping motion."
    - "The combination of forward pressure and leg removal creates instant loss of balance, their base crumbling beneath them."
 
  completion_phase:
    - "You follow through smoothly, maintaining grip control as they fall backward to the mat."
    - "Your forward drive continues, positioning you to land in dominant top control."
    - "You establish top position immediately, securing control before they can recover."
 
  failure_phase:
    - "Your opponent widens their stance quickly, preventing your reap from finding the target."
    - "They sense the timing and hop their rear leg back, escaping the sweep attempt."
    - "Your grip pressure was insufficient and they maintain their balance despite your reaping motion."

Image Generation Prompts

image_prompts:
  setup_position:
    prompt: "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu standing position, practitioner with collar and sleeve grips on opponent, upright posture, proper ma-ai distance, both wearing blue and white gis, mat background, technical illustration style"
    key_elements: ["Collar grip", "Sleeve grip", "Standing posture", "Engagement distance"]
 
  mid_execution:
    prompt: "BJJ Kouchi gari throw in motion, practitioner pushing opponent backward while rear foot reaps inside of opponent's rear ankle in small scooping motion, opponent's weight on rear leg beginning to fall, dynamic movement captured, technical illustration"
    key_elements: ["Pushing pressure", "Small reaping motion", "Ankle target", "Off-balance"]
 
  completion_position:
    prompt: "BJJ top position after Kouchi gari takedown, practitioner on top with grips maintained, opponent flat on back, control being established, technical illustration style"
    key_elements: ["Top position", "Grip control", "Opponent taken down", "Dominant posture"]

Audio Narration Scripts

audio_scripts:
  instructional_narration:
    script: "From standing position, establish collar and sleeve grips with proper distance control. Push your opponent backward with coordinated grip pressure, forcing their weight onto the rear leg. As their rear leg accepts full weight, step forward with your lead foot and execute a small reaping motion with your rear foot, scooping the inside of their ankle. Continue driving forward and downward, guiding them to the mat while maintaining control. Immediately establish top position to secure the advantage."
    voice: "Onyx"
    pace: "Moderate"
    emphasis: ["collar and sleeve grips", "push backward", "small reaping motion", "inside of their ankle", "driving forward"]
 
  coaching_cues:
    script: "Get those grips. Good. Now push them back. Feel their weight shift. Step forward. Small reap at the ankle - just scoop it out. Drive through. Follow down. Excellent control. Top position secured."
    voice: "Onyx"
    pace: "Energetic"
    emphasis: ["push them back", "small reap", "scoop it out", "drive through", "excellent"]
 
  competition_commentary:
    script: "Beautiful grip setup here. Watch the timing - pushing them backward, forcing the weight shift. Perfect execution of the Kouchi gari, that small precise reap at the ankle. Textbook judo mechanics adapted for BJJ. Clean takedown, immediate top position. That's how you score two points efficiently."
    voice: "Onyx"
    pace: "Fast"
    emphasis: ["Beautiful grip setup", "Perfect execution", "small precise reap", "Textbook judo mechanics", "Clean takedown"]

Competition Applications

• IBJJF Rules: Legal at all belt levels; scores as takedown (2 points); low risk of penalties or disqualification
• No-Gi Competition: Highly effective in no-gi with modified grips; particularly useful in submission-only formats where takedown risk must be minimized
• Self-Defense Context: Excellent for street scenarios due to simplicity and effectiveness; works with clothing grips; low risk of injury to user
• MMA Applications: Applicable in MMA with adaptations for striking defense; useful in clinch range; low commitment allows quick recovery if unsuccessful

Historical Context

Kouchi gari is one of the original 40 throws of Kodokan Judo (Gokyo no Waza), classified as a Te-waza (hand technique) despite its prominent use of the leg. Developed by Jigoro Kano in the late 19th century, it exemplifies the principle of maximum efficiency with minimum effort. The technique has become a staple in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s standing game due to its high success rate, low risk profile, and minimal strength requirements. Modern BJJ competitors, especially those with limited judo training, favor Kouchi gari because it provides reliable takedowns without the extensive practice required for larger throws.

Safety Considerations

• Controlled Application: Execute with smooth, controlled motion to prevent ankle injuries; avoid excessive force during practice
• Mat Awareness: Ensure adequate mat space behind opponent for safe landing; check for obstacles before initiating
• Partner Safety: Maintain grip control through the fall to prevent hard impact; communicate during drilling about pace and resistance
• Gradual Progression: Build up speed and resistance gradually; master timing and mechanics at slow pace before live application

Position Integration

Common combinations and sequences:

• Standing Position → Kouchi Gari → Top Position
• Standing Position → Kouchi Gari → Side Control
• Standing Position → Failed Kouchi Gari → Ouchi Gari (combination attack)
• Clinch Position → Kouchi Gari → Top Position
• Standing Position → Kouchi Gari Setup → Arm Drag (if defended)

Related Techniques

• Ouchi Gari - Complementary inner reap targeting front leg; natural combination partner
• Osoto Gari - Outer reap with similar setup but different target; combo option
• Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi - Another foot technique that combines well in sequences
• De Ashi Barai - Forward foot sweep using similar timing principles
• Arm Drag - Setup technique that creates backward movement for Kouchi Gari

Training Applications

• Takedown Development: Foundational throw for building judo-based takedown skills in BJJ
• Competition Preparation: Essential technique for scoring takedown points with minimal risk
• Guard Pull Alternative: Provides standing option for guard players who need versatility
• Combination Attacks: Core element in ashiwaza (foot technique) combination systems
• Timing Training: Excellent for developing sensitivity to weight distribution and timing windows